UK shares and sterling again in spotlight on darkening retail conditions                           

Shoppers reined in spending more sharply than expected in September

Bank of England: Scheduled to deliver its next update on the British economy on November 3,

British financial markets have again come under the spotlight, as the latest retail sales figures showed the economy was facing darkening conditions.

Sterling and UK-facing shares also came under pressure on Friday as the Conservative Party contest to select the next prime minister added to uncertainty.